7 day itinerary for Quito

Itinerary

Quito is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Quito:

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

Upon arrival, you can start your day with a city tour to get a feel of the city. You can visit the historic center of Quito, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the colonial architecture, visit the famous La Compañía de Jesús church, and the Presidential Palace. You can also visit the Plaza de la Independencia, which is the main square of Quito.

Day 2: Teleférico and Mitad del Mundo

On day 2, you can take a cable car ride to the top of the Pichincha Volcano. The Teleférico offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. After that, you can visit the Mitad del Mundo, which is the equator line that divides the northern and southern hemispheres.

Day 3: Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Lake

On day 3, you can take a day trip to the Otavalo Market, which is one of the largest indigenous markets in South America. You can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and textiles. After that, you can visit the Cuicocha Lake, which is a beautiful crater lake located in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve.

Day 4: Cotopaxi National Park

On day 4, you can take a day trip to the Cotopaxi National Park, which is home to the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. You can hike to the base of the volcano, visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon, and see the wildlife in the park.

Day 5: Mindo Cloud Forest

On day 5, you can take a day trip to the Mindo Cloud Forest, which is a biodiverse area located about 2 hours from Quito. You can go birdwatching, hiking, and visit the butterfly farm and the chocolate factory.

Day 6: Papallacta Hot Springs

On day 6, you can visit the Papallacta Hot Springs, which are located about 1.5 hours from Quito. You can relax in the natural hot springs, go for a hike, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Day 7: Departure

On your last day, you can take a leisurely stroll around the city, visit any places you missed, and do some last-minute shopping before your departure.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Quito!